PFF's invitation came a day after Maradona compared the state of Aregentina Football Association with Pakistan.

The captain of Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning side said his country's officials knew as much about football as Pakistan does.

But instead of reacting strongly to Maradona's comments, football officials of Pakistan said they were happy that the country's football was being taken notice of by former greats like Maradona.

"We will invite him to visit Pakistan as he is already a football ambassador in Dubai. We will provide him state protocol and security. We love if he can come and see our football set up and give us suggestions to further develop and improve it," PFF official Major Lodhi said.

Pakistan is presently ranked 158th in the FIFA rankings. PFF President, Makhdoom Saleh Faisal Hayat said he would personally send an invitation letter to Maradona.

"Football in developing countries like Pakistan can only improve and progress if legends like Maradona come forward and support us with their suggestions and advice," he said.

"If he comes to Pakistan it will do a world of good to the profile of the sport in Pakistan and also attract more sponsors and new talent," Hayat added.

The PFF chief said that contrary to Maradona's views on Pakistan football, the country had been making steady progress.

"Pakistan last year won the Asian Football Confederation's 'Aspiring' nation award and two of our domestic players have recently been signed up by clubs in Kyrgyzstan," he said.

Muhammad Adil and Kaleemullah two players from domestic champions, KRL were recently signed up by Kyrgyzstan champions, FC Dordoi as professionals.